The HCM City Union of Friendship Organizations on July 2 celebrated the 20th anniversary of Vietnam – US diplomatic ties (1995 -2015) and 239 years of US Independence Day (1776 -2015) in the presence of municipal leaders, representatives from US Consulate General and students in Ho Chi Minh City.

Speaking at the ceremony, HCM City People's Committee Vice Chairman Nguyen Tat Cang applauded the positive development of Vietnam-US relations, prominently evidenced by the establishment of a comprehensive partnership in 2013.

According to Tat Thanh Cang, looking back on the path of development, the relationship between Ho Chi Minh City and US partners has seen constant growth and reap remarkable accomplishments.

HCM City will continue to join hands with US partners to enhance cooperation in all fields thus opening up a new chapter in the comprehensive partnership between the two nations and successfully carrying out the country’s external policy of independence, self-reliance, peace, cooperation, development, multilateralism, diversification and international integration, as well as being a trusted friend, partner, and responsible member of the international community.

US Consul General in Ho Chi Minh City Rena Bitter in turn described 2015 as an important year in the history of bilateral relations between the two countries. Over the past two decades, the two nations have recorded many great achievements and established a comprehensive partnership.

As part of activities marking 20 years of bilateral relations will be the US visit by Vietnamese senior leaders in the time ahead, she said, adding that Vietnam and the US are making every effort to develop their long-term cooperative relations in multiple fronts.

On the occasion, the Union of Friendship Organizations in the central city of Danang and the Vietnam-US Friendship Association in the city along with other relevant agencies have launched numerous exchanges and celebratory activities from June 1-July 12.

The activities include an Internet-based quiz about 20 years of Vietnam-US diplomatic ties  for all Vietnamese citizens, an exchange  introducing the achievements after 20 years of normalized Vietnam-US ties and an exhibition of 80 photos featuring the friendship and cooperation between the two nations.